Akiu Onsen

Akiu onsen is a short 50 minutes bus ride from Sendai. Easily accessible from Sendai station, the first port of call for the bus upon reaching Akiu onsen town is a fantastic tourist information center, Akiusato center.

There is an helpful tourist information, a mini exhibit, foot bath, and a walkway to enjoy the autumn foliage, as well as a popular restaurant. There are 2 types of walkway: one is Rairaikyo that’s around 2-3km long. As well as a mini one where one can peer into the gorge and marvel at the rock layers, dotted by the autumn foliage.

Supermarket is famous for its “Ohagi” mochi-like riceball topped with delicious paste: red beans, black sesame, even natto (Japanese fermented beans).

As for onsen, many various hotels offer daytrip access as well as stay. The public bath, located next to New Mitoya hotel and Lawson, is small but has nice clear water. There is a buddhist temple and carpark next to iy that is famous for its cheery trees (according to review). The bath has a solo small pool, with capacity of 3 people, very hot water and pleasant, costing 300yen per person. A simple locker is available at entrance area.